Greta Gerwig is slated to run a new Chronicles of Narnia adaptation on Netflix.

As a very popular children's series, it is inevitable that the books also have many critics: C.S. Lewis' books were so notorious that they have been banned twice since their publication in the 1950s. Of course, The Chronicles of Narnia are not the only books that have been banned—other popular children's series, such as Harry Potter, also faced book bans. While it's not a new phenomenon, as book bans still happen today, the reasoning in each case differs.

The Chronicles Of Narnia Books Were Banned In 1990 For Violence, Mysticism, & Gore

The Amount Of Violence & Gore In The Narnia Books Was Not Acceptable At The Time

Although The Chronicles of Narnia is a suitable children's book series, C.S. Lewis' works were nonetheless banned in various schools across Howard County, Maryland, for "graphic violence, mysticism, and gore." These days, The Chronicles of Narnia is deemed relatively safe for children—Common Sense Media even finds the film adaptation okay for children despite some violent scenes. There are many battles containing violence throughout the books, and in 1990, some adults deemed it inappropriate for children. However, the argument that The Chronicles of Narnia is filled with "graphic violence, mysticism, and gore" is certainly a stretch.

C.S. Lewis' Books Were Also Banned In 2005 For Their Religious Symbolism

The Chronicles Of Narnia Were Criticized For Its Use Of Christian Themes

In 2005, many people protested The Chronicles of Narnia once again, specifically because of the series' Christian themes. Although C.S. Lewis did not initially intend to include religion in The Chronicles of Narnia, he later realized that many aspects of the books come across as Christian regardless. One of the most notable symbols is Aslan as Jesus Christ, but C.S. Lewis vehemently objected to this idea. However, in Florida, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State objected to The Chronicles of Narnia after then-governor Jeb Bush selected the first book for children to read, then actively campaigned to have it banned in schools.

It shows that literature is often subjective because no two interpretations are the same; literary analysis often does not consider or care for authorial intent.

Although many Christians resonate with C.S. Lewis' books, there are also Christians who think the opposite. They believe The Chronicles of Narnia books should be censored because they purportedly embrace pagan themes and a heretical interpretation of Jesus/Aslan. It shows that literature is often subjective because no two interpretations are the same; literary analysis often does not consider or care for authorial intent.

Source: Search & Find, Banned Library, Common Sense Media, Chron